Fluffy Portuguese Sweet Bread With a Soft Tender Crumb

Portuguese sweet bread is the enriched, faintly sweet loaf that disappears fast at a celebration. I proof it twice so the crumb stays light instead of dense.

This Portuguese sweet bread recipe is straightforward, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to create a delicious loaf at home.

Easy Fluffy Portuguese Sweet Bread

This sweet bread features a tender crumb and a subtly sweet flavor achieved through the combination of milk, sugar, and eggs. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one large loaf.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk, warmed
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
Mix the Dough: Stir together until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let it rise again until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Brush the top with the beaten egg. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.